Mathieu van der Poel was surprisingly not the winner of the Velo d'Or as the award was attributed to Jonas Vingegaard, but has now won the International Flandrien award.
“Hello everyone, unfortunately I couldn't be there in the end. It was an unforgettable season for me with victories in Milan-Sanremo, Paris-Roubaix, the beautiful world title on the road in Glasgow and also the field title in Hoogerheide, which started the year," van der Poel said in a message shared. "It is a great honor to win the International Flandrien and perhaps an even greater honor that there are three great Dutch former riders in Oostende to present it. I wish everyone a nice evening.”
Winner of Milano-Sanremo, Paris-Roubaix and the World Championships - in both road and cyclocross, alongside incredible leadout work for Jasper Philipsen throughout the year makes it a more than deserved win. He succeeds to Tadej Pogacar who was the winner of the Tour of Flanders this year - but that wasn't enough to change the minds of the Flandriens.
“Last year was fantastic for him,” Adrie van der Poel, who received the award in the name of Mathieu, stated.. “I immediately told him after the Road World Championships: the most difficult year is now coming. I think he has learned that well and wants to start the road season in the best possible way."
